Head of Research and Innovation

About the role

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) is seeking a Head of Research and Innovation to report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The post leads, promotes and facilitates the advancement of knowledge, its dissemination, the commercialisation of research and innovation outputs, and oversees all consultancy and outreach services of the University.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and periodically review policies and guidelines for research, dissemination, consultancy, outreach, innovation, intellectual property and internationalisation, approved by the Council.
• Develop research, consultancy, innovation and outreach activities and set standards for disseminating high-quality research output, including a list of journal outlets approved by the Senate.
• Establish operational systems for ethical clearance and their monitoring and evaluation.
• Advise on legal and governance issues such as intellectual property rights and contractual requirements, and represent the University in research and consultancy contracts.
• Develop research management systems aligned with the strategic plan, and develop fundraising strategies and raise funds for research.
• Liaise with funding agencies, broker strategic partnerships and promote research alliances with industry, business communities, local and international universities.
• Facilitate the research strategic plan and license University technologies to third parties.

Required profile

• Doctorate degree in any field offered by the University, from an institution accredited or recognised under the National Council for Higher Education Act.
• Three years of experience in a management position in a higher education institution.
• Current engagement in research.

The successful candidate receives a 3-year performance-based contract, renewable once. Applications, including a vision/plan for the office, CV and three traceable referees, are submitted to the Registrar by 25 October 2026; shortlisting is based on document completeness and quality.